Oscar looks set to continue Mullins’ good run
He had his first spin at Punchestown two weeks ago, performing with distinct promise, and can be expected to build on that.
The selection contested a maiden hurdle, which was won by his stable companion, and favourite, Some Present.
It would have been unrealistic to expect Oscar Carrara to be competitive at the first time of asking, but he did manage a creditable seventh of 24 finishers.
The opening Cahir Mares Maiden Hurdle centres around how much ability Paul Nolan’s Shuil Aris retains.
She is different class to her rivals, but hasn’t been seen for over two years, for 746 days to be precise.
Shuil Aris’ last outing was in a Listed event at Limerick in October of 2007, when she was grabbed late and beaten half a length by Major Finnegan, successful over fences at Punchestown yesterday.
That was her first outing since taking second to Grangeclare Lark in a Grade 3 at the Punchestown Festival the previous April.
Clearly, Shuil Aris has had more than her share of problems, but the fact connections continue to persist may be significant and she gets the nod.
Vic Venturi, last seen when runner-up behind Ambobo at Punchestown in May, has a lot in hand of the opposition in the Wilderness Chase and should score, if putting his best foot forward.
The Sneezer battled in fine style to win at Thurles a week ago and is the one to beat, under a mandatory 4lbs penalty, in the Fethard Handicap Hurdle.
